*Report by Mudasir Opeyemi
As the Nigeria Rail Corporation is set to commence Kaduna-Abuja rail transportation on Monday, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba has ordered the immediate deployment of armed personnel along the Abuja-Kaduna route.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi saying that security operatives would be deployed to guard against any breakdown of law and order.
The The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) had suspended train service along the route after Boko Haram terrorists attacked a moving passenger train in Kaduna on March 28, 2022 leaving several passengers dead while some were also abducted.
The terrorists, who attacked the train in Kaduna, released hostages piecemeal with the last release being on October 5, 2022.
Assuring the passengers on their safety,the Managing Director of NRC had said necessary arrangements had been put in place for rail service to resume on Monday.
He added that no intending passenger without NIN will be allowed to board the train.
However,the IGP said the Nigeria Police Force has been in regular talks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and other security agencies in preparation for the commencement of operations.
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He said the deployment covers major railway stations along the route and operational coaches to provide adequate security for passengers, their property and the entire service to prevent any unforeseen incidence.
“The IGP,therefore, assures the general public, especially intending passengers, of adequate protection of lives and property, as all hands are on deck to fortify the railway services along the route and other rail lines across the country,” Adejobi quoted IGP as saying